Realise it's some time since original post & thread started but only just come across it while cross-checking some Leith Athletic research. I have a fair amount of info re John's spells at Leith Athletic including at least one team photo & one other infividual photo. He was indeed Irish - I have him born in Fenit, Tralee, County Kerry on 6 Sep 1886. First signed for Leith in November 1908. His SFA registered addresses while playing for Leith were 14 Coalfield Lane, Leith (1908), 6 Kirk Street, Leith (1912) & 51 Golver Street, Leith (1921). Other clubs I have him playing for were Falkirk, Hibs & East Stirling.